004412 — NEPO Placements for 0-25 years in Department for Education Schools and Colleges.

II.1.2)Type of contract and location of works, place of delivery or of performance

Services
Service category No 24: Education and vocational education services
Main site or location of works, place of delivery or of performance: Although we have categorised these services under category 24 Educational, it also covers category 25 Health and Social Services. Placements under this Framework Agreement could contain all 3 elements (Education, Health and Social Care). The Participating Organisations are listed below, however the 12 local authorities in the North East region will be the greatest user of these services.
— The Council of the City of Sunderland;
— Darlington Borough Council;
— The County Council of Durham;
— The Borough Council of Gateshead;
— Hartlepool Borough Council;
— Middlesbrough Borough Council;
— The Council of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne;
— The Council of the Borough of North Tyneside;
— Northumberland County Council;
— Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council;
— The Council of the Borough of South Tyneside;
— The Council of the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees;
— South Tees Clinical Commissioning Group;
— Hartlepool and Stockton on Tees Clinical Commissioning Group;
— Darlington Clinical Commissioning Group;
— North Durham Clinical Commissioning Group;
— Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Group;
— NHS Newcastle Gateshead Alliance Clinical Commissioning Group;
— North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group;
— South Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group;
— Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group; and
— Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group.

NUTS code UKC

II.1.3)Information about a public contract, a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system (DPS)

The notice involves the establishment of a framework agreement

II.1.4)Information on framework agreement

Framework agreement with several operators
maximum number of participants to the framework agreement envisaged: 100

Duration of the framework agreement

Duration in months: 24

Estimated total value of purchases for the entire duration of the framework agreement

Newcastle City Council (‘the Lead Authority’) is acting as the lead authority on behalf of the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) and its member authorities, in respect of the procurement of a Framework Agreement (Contract) for Placements in Department for Education (DfE) registered non-maintained and independent special Schools and Colleges for Children and Young People 0-25 years, day, boarding and residential placements. The main participating organisations in this tender are:
— The Council of the City of Sunderland;
— Darlington Borough Council;
— The County Council of Durham;
— The Borough Council of Gateshead;
— Hartlepool Borough Council;
— Middlesbrough Borough Council;
— The Council of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne;
— The Council of the Borough of North Tyneside;
— Northumberland County Council;
— Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council;
— The Council of the Borough of South Tyneside;
— The Council of the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees;
— South Tees Clinical Commissioning Group;
— Hartlepool and Stockton on Tees Clinical Commissioning Group;
— Darlington Clinical Commissioning Group;
— North Durham Clinical Commissioning Group;
— Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Group;
— NHS Newcastle Gateshead Alliance Clinical Commissioning Group;
— North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group;
— South Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group;
— Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group; and
— Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group.

The contract is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA): yes

II.1.8)Lots

This contract is divided into lots: yes
Tenders may be submitted for one or more lots

II.1.9)Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: no

II.2)Quantity or scope of the contract

II.2.1)Total quantity or scope:

Newcastle City Council is acting as lead authority in respect of this procurement. Please note that as the Contract is a Framework Agreement any of the public bodies listed above may call-off under it, as and when required. The Council makes no guarantee that any call-offs will be made under the Contract which will be commencing on 1.2.2016 until 31.1.2017 with the option to extend twice for a further 6 months. The Council is carrying out the procurement of this Framework Agreement under the Social and Other Specific Services procurement route (Annex X1V) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 known as the ‘Light Touch Regime’ broadly using the Open Procedure. Further information and associated documents are available on our Electronic Tendering System at www.nepoportal.org

The Child/Young Person has continuing difficulties in communication and interaction that cause very significant barriers to learning and impede the development of social relationships. There may be slow rates of progress in some areas of the curriculum, although there may also be specific areas of strength. Difficulties are clearly evident and severe, for example impaired language development; rigidity and inflexibility of behaviour; obsessional interests; difficulties with social communication and interaction; literal interpretation of language; poor understanding of social conventions; increasing sensory difficulties impacting on ability to participate appropriately.

4)Indication about different date for duration of contract or starting/completion

5)Additional information about lots

Likely to meet at least 4 out of 5 of the following criteria:
— severe difficulties in following instructions, classroom routines and staying on task,
— highly atypical behaviours such as being obsessive, challenging or withdrawn,
— resistance to changes in routines; and highly inappropriate social behaviour leading to social isolation,
— high anxiety levels/mental health issues,
— significant and enduring difficulties with learning and development, or
vulnerable Children/Young People with a diagnosis of high functioning autism spectrum disorder who display good surface level language skills or potential but whose difficulties have a significant impact on behaviour/anxiety levels/ability to cope with change. May also have behaviours of concern related to autism if it is not well managed, or
vulnerable Children/Young People with a diagnosis of high functioning autism spectrum disorder who may display good surface level language skills or potential learning, lacking in social skills, high anxiety levels and inability to cope with change which has had a negative impact on mental health and emotional well-being. May have secondary diagnosis of Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) issues which impact on the ability to access the curriculum.

In addition to the needs described in Lot 1, there will be evidence of complex SEMH of considerable duration and frequency in a variety of school situations, resulting in adverse consequences for the Child/Young Person and severely affecting other Children/Young People and adults in a detrimental way (unpredictable, bizarre, obsessive, violent, dangerous or severely disruptive behaviour). The pupil has continuing difficulties in communication and interaction that cause very significant barriers to learning and impede the development of social relationships.

Children/Young People on the autistic spectrum who may be non-verbal or low functioning either verbally or cognitively and whose behaviours can occasionally be challenging. Unable to work independently without frequent (every few minutes) prompts and checks on understanding or need high levels of supervision to enable safe social behaviours and guarantee safety in practical sessions. Increasing support to address emotional stability/social skills/confidence/independent work skills/effective communication/cooperation with adult led activities.

4)Indication about different date for duration of contract or starting/completion

5)Additional information about lots

The Children/Young People in this Lot are Children/Young People with autistic spectrum disorder who may exhibit challenging bizarre, inappropriate and/or dangerous behaviours because of their highly complex needs. These Children/Young People may have significant medical issues requiring intervention; for example, epilepsy medication/tube feeding/stoma.

There will be evidence of complex SEMH of considerable duration and frequency in a variety of school situations, resulting in adverse consequences for Child/Young Person and severely affecting other Children/Young People and adults in a detrimental way (unpredictable, bizarre, obsessive, violent, dangerous or severely disruptive behaviour). Need structured approach to teaching:
— Self-organisation,
— Concentration skills,
— Self-esteem,
— Social skills,
— Cooperation/teamwork.

4)Indication about different date for duration of contract or starting/completion

5)Additional information about lots

Children/Young People with extensive SEMH which impact on their ability to access the curriculum. The SEMH behaviours are at such an extent that it impedes their ability to interact positively with others. There is a need to use increasing specific teaching strategies to address emotional stability, confidence, independent working skills, effective communication and co-operation. Children/Young People may have a medical or mental health condition which impacts upon behaviour and on individual learning. They are likely to have a medical of mental health issues that would need a multi-agency care plan. Children/Young People may have regular offending behaviour that could cause demonstrable damage or abuse at a level that could result in criminal prosecution. A Child/Young Person who has an identified need for on-going long term direct therapeutic intervention.

4)Indication about different date for duration of contract or starting/completion

5)Additional information about lots

Extra support may be required for toileting, personal hygiene needs, and therapeutic input. High level of support and supervision for reasons of health and safety throughout the school day. Some Children/Young People may use sign and symbols but most will be able to communicate at a basic verbal level.
or
Children/Young People with profound and multiple learning difficulties who have complex learning needs. In addition to severe learning difficulties, Children/Young People have other significant difficulties, such as sensory impairment, physical disabilities or a severe medical condition.
or
Children/Young People with severe learning difficulties who demonstrate severe challenging behaviours which are socially inappropriate, unpredictable and dangerous. They require supervision throughout the school day because of their highly complex needs. Higher levels of support regularly required to manage behaviours and personal care routines. A focus on promoting self-management, self-help skills and social/communication skills.

Lot No: 6 Lot title: Lot 6 — Physical disability or medical need

1)Short description

Children/Young People may:
— require high levels of adult assistance adult assistance with the practical aspects of the curriculum or personal hygiene, dressing, fine/gross motor skills,
— exhibit lack of concentration or motivation as a result of their condition that significantly affects classroom performance,
— exhibit behaviours that may impact on self-esteem and relationships with peers,
— have additional learning or perceptual difficulties associated with their condition,
— use mobility aids,
— have a medical condition that requires monitoring and medicating in school — for example, insulin dependent diabetes.

4)Indication about different date for duration of contract or starting/completion

5)Additional information about lots

Child/Young People with physical difficulties that warrant additional support for part of the school day; for example:
— Physical difficulties or medical conditions are complex, severe and long-term, requiring a high level of additional support,
— Such Children/Young People may have additional learning, communication, sensory or behaviour difficulties demanding specialist intervention. Their ability to learn will be affected by their condition and specialist teaching and learning environments may be required. There may be a requirement for regular intervention from therapists.

Child/Young Person with a visual impairment that will affect how they learn. Needs may require some printed materials to be modified and will likely require the provision of some specialist equipment. The Child/Young Person will usually have significant difficulty with distance vision tasks. This may be compounded by other problems such as visual field loss, ocular motor impairment, and visual perception difficulties of the presence of degenerative visual conditions.

4)Indication about different date for duration of contract or starting/completion

5)Additional information about lots

The following criteria are used to assess the needs of a deaf and hearing impaired Child/Young Person who may require specialist provision:
Criterion 1: Degree of HI (using British Society of Audiology Descriptors),
Criterion 2: Additional factors relating to HI,
Criterion 3: Impact of HI on language and communication development and on access to learning and the curriculum,
Criterion 4: use of personal hearing aids or cochlear implant,
Criterion 5: Attainment gap,
Criterion 6: Support for effective use of specialist equipment by learner e.g. radio aid,
Criterion 7: Physical learning environment,
Criterion 8: Impact of HI on personal and social learning,
Criterion 9: Additional factors relating to family support (e.g. where families speak English as an additional language),
Criterion 10: Multi-agency liaison/role (including Child Protection).

Lot No: 8 Lot title: Lot 8 — Specific learning difficulties (SpLD)

1)Short description

Children/Young People will have significant specific learning difficulties, including dyslexia, and a Placing Authority believes that these educational needs cannot be catered for either within mainstream provision with additional support or within maintained specialist provision.

4)Indication about different date for duration of contract or starting/completion

5)Additional information about lots

— Very significant difficulties in the development of literacy and or numeracy skills,
— Associated difficulties in working memory,
— Difficulties in planning and organisation,
— Verbal processing difficulties,
— May have an uneven profile of educational abilities,
— Associated SEMH.

Section III: Legal, economic, financial and technical information

III.1)Conditions relating to the contract

III.1.1)Deposits and guarantees required:

The Contracting Authority reserves the right to require deposits, guarantees, bonds, insurance or any other form of appropriate security. Details to be provided in the Invitation to Tender.

III.1.3)Legal form to be taken by the group of economic operators to whom the contract is to be awarded:

N/A.

III.1.4)Other particular conditions

The performance of the contract is subject to particular conditions: yes
Description of particular conditions: Details to be included in the Invitation to Tender.

III.2)Conditions for participation

III.2.1)Personal situation of economic operators, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers

Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: All applicants are required to complete and return a detailed Pre-Qualification Questionnaire prepared by the Contracting Authority and provide such supporting evidence as may be requested by the deadline stated in the Invitation to Tender.

III.2.2)Economic and financial ability

Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: As set out in the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire.
Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required: As set out in the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire.

III.2.3)Technical capacity

Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met:
As set out in the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire.
Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required:
As set out in the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire.

III.2.4)Information about reserved contracts

III.3)Conditions specific to services contracts

III.3.1)Information about a particular profession

Execution of the service is reserved to a particular profession: yes
Reference to the relevant law, regulation or administrative provision: Organisations must hold a current registration or equivalent with the following, whichever is appropriate to deliver services as a non-maintained or independent special school.
Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted).
Department for Education (DfE).
Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Monitor Licence.

III.3.2)Staff responsible for the execution of the service

Legal persons should indicate the names and professional qualifications of the staff responsible for the execution of the service: yes

Section IV: Procedure

IV.1)Type of procedure

IV.1.1)Type of procedure

Open

IV.1.2)Limitations on the number of operators who will be invited to tender or to participate

IV.1.3)Reduction of the number of operators during the negotiation or dialogue

IV.2)Award criteria

IV.2.1)Award criteria

The most economically advantageous tender in terms of the criteria stated in the specifications, in the invitation to tender or to negotiate or in the descriptive document

IV.2.2)Information about electronic auction

An electronic auction will be used: no

IV.3)Administrative information

IV.3.1)File reference number attributed by the contracting authority:

9QRF-LKEOK3

IV.3.2)Previous publication(s) concerning the same contract

no

IV.3.3)Conditions for obtaining specifications and additional documents or descriptive document

Time limit for receipt of requests for documents or for accessing documents: 4.12.2015 – 09:00
Payable documents: no

IV.3.4)Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate

4.12.2015 – 09:00

IV.3.5)Date of dispatch of invitations to tender or to participate to selected candidates

IV.3.6)Language(s) in which tenders or requests to participate may be drawn up

English.

IV.3.7)Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender

until: 3.3.2016

IV.3.8)Conditions for opening of tenders

Place:

via the NEPO Electronic Tendering System.

Persons authorised to be present at the opening of tenders: no

Section VI: Complementary information

VI.1)Information about recurrence

This is a recurrent procurement: no

VI.2)Information about European Union funds

The contract is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: no

VI.3)Additional information

Please go to our website located at www.nepoportal.org to register and download the documents. The Framework Agreement will be awarded for an initial term of 12 months with an additional two options to extend of a further six months to be exercised at the discretion of the Contracting Authority. In addition to Newcastle City Council utilising the Framework Agreement, there are 21 other Participating Organisations (The Council of the City of Sunderland; Darlington Borough Council; The County Council of Durham; The Borough Council of Gateshead; Hartlepool Borough Council; Middlesbrough Borough Council; The Council of the Borough of North Tyneside; Northumberland County Council; Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council; The Council of the Borough of South Tyneside; The Council of the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees; South Tees Clinical Commissioning Group; Hartlepool and Stockton on Tees Clinical Commissioning Group; Darlington Clinical Commissioning Group; North Durham Clinical Commissioning Group; Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Group; NHS Newcastle Gateshead Alliance Clinical Commissioning Group; North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group; South Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group; Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group; Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group). Under this procurement, organisations are required to participate actively in the economic and social regeneration of the locality of, and surroundings of, the place of delivery for the procurement. Contract performance conditions may therefore relate in particular to Social Value considerations. The Contracting Authority expressly reserves the right to use the NEPO Electronic Tendering Portal for any Call-off Alerts under this Framework Agreement. Any subsequent award will form a separate Call-off Contract (Individual Placement Agreement) under the scope of this Framework Agreement between the Provider and the specific requesting Participating Organisation. The Contracting Authority wishes to note that there will be no guaranteed volumes under any Framework Agreement awarded.

VI.4)Procedures for appeal

VI.4.1)Body responsible for appeal procedures

VI.4.2)Lodging of appeals

Precise information on deadline(s) for lodging appeals: The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 provide aggrieved parties who have been harmed or are at risk of harm by a breach of the rules to take action in the High Court (England, Wales and Northern Ireland).

VI.4.3)Service from which information about the lodging of appeals may be obtained